Arsenal’s Cech refuses to abandon title hope

Arsenal’s Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech dices to make a save from a shot by Tottenham Hotspur’s English defender Eric Dier (unseen) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS

Petr Cech believes Arsenal could be in contention for the Premier League title come the end of the season despite trailing leaders Manchester City by 12 points going into Wednesday’s match with Huddersfield.

A win would probably still leave the Gunners well adrift of record-breaking City, with Pep Guardialo’s unbeaten side hosting Southampton, but Cech — a four-time Premier League champion with Chelsea — is looking long-term.

“You have to play game by game, not think too much about what’s going on around you because if you win your game then you give yourself a chance,” he said.

“Let’s win our game and see how the others are doing. If the other teams at this moment above us keep going, keep winning, then you can’t catch them.

“First you need to win your games and keep putting pressure on them.”

Though City have left their rivals in the starting blocks, Cech believes there is still time for the situation to change drastically.

“It’s only 13 games in,” he said. “That’s the most important thing and there’s so many points to be won. You need to carry on for 38 games and show consistency.